Kawai MP8 Piano

Description

Discontinued April 2011 – replaced by MP10

The Kawai MP8 MK II is the closest approach to the concert grand piano combined with a defining studio controller finished in black metallic over an aluminum body with natural wood cheek blocks and having amazing 256 built-in sounds, the Kawai MP8 will stand out as a truly professional stage piano. 192-voice polyphony and sound simulating technology bring the MP8 closer to a real concert grand than ever. A combination of slider & knob controls has been developed for greater ease of use. Its wooden keys and mechanical action makes the MP8 the new standard in Professional Stage Pianos!

Kawai MP8, 88 weighted piano keys , AWA Grand PRO mechanic, Inputs/Outputs: 6,3mm TRS for line out (L/Mono,R or 2xMono), XLR Outs with ground lift, headphone out, damper/soft pedal, foot switch, expression, MIDI In / Out / Thru, USB, F-20 double pedal and note desk included, dimensions: 1466 x 442 x 189 (mm), weight 32 kg.

Assignable functions like preventing the accidental pressing of buttons on the panel, controlling external sequencer, metronome and many other ON/OFF assignments assist you with your performance.The MP8 has 4 zones. Each zone can individually play internal sounds, MIDI Out or BOTH.  Zones can be freely split, layered and velocity switched to create stunning, personalised performances. You can save up to 256 of your favorite set ups. Also a USB port allows ease of communication with a computer during DTM.

The Kawai MP8 has 4 zones. Each zone can individually play internal sounds, MIDI Out or BOTH. Zones can be freely split, layered and velocity switched to create stunning, personalised performances. You can save up to 256 of your favorite Setups. Also a USB port allows ease of communication with a computer during DTM.

Reviews

I am expecting the arrival of my Kawai MP8 II tomorrow, Wednesday.  I might have gone for
the Roland or Yamaha, but to get a fully warranted MP8 II for over a thousand dollars off the
list price (it is most likely a floor demo model, although quite new with the cables and pedals
still in their sealed plastic bags) was an offer I could not resist.

I have read that the MP8 II has too light a touch to please professional pianists–and some
appeared rather angry at it, for some reason–temperamental, I suppose–but since I have
no ambition to be a concert pianist and do not envision using a mechanical piano even
intermittently any time in the future.

I am not concerned about “spoiling” my playing hand.  Keyboard players that I admire such
as Keith Emerson and Rick Wakeman seem to be able to switch between piano and synthesizer
and organ on the fly during live performance without losing their ability to produce
beautiful music.  I don’t see how it should be so difficult for others.  It’s a poor
craftsman who blames his tools, after all.

Kurt, USA